A major reorganisation for testing the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles has been announced by the Department of Transport today.
Minister if State Dr Jim McDaid said the proposals had been agreed between his Department and the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) in an effort to strengthen the framework for commercial vehicle testing.
It is hoped that this will result in an efficient and accessible network of test centres throughout the State.
One of the main developments will be the restructuring of the weight limits that determine whether a vehicle undergoes the Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) test or the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) test.
Dr McDaid said that the figure of 1,524kgs unladen weight is used in Ireland to determine vehicle classification which has resulted in some vehicles being unneccessarily classified as HGVs for testing, leaving the owners are liable for higher test fees.
A revised scale of fees will be announced next month after consultation with SIMI.
Dr McDaid also said that a new system of re-testing along the lines of the NCT will be introduced. LGVs will also have to undergo testing on a more frequent basis and there are plans to improve test centres and equipment.
The reforms will be introduced on a phased basis over the next year and under the new systemm commercial vehicles will have to display a roadworthiness disc on their windscreens, similar to the NCT disc.